England held to goalless draw by Algeria

England were held to a 0-0 draw by Algeria in a World Cup Group C match here on Friday meaning England must beat Slovenia next week to be sure of qualifying for the second round of the tournament.

England again showed little to justify predictions they could figure in the later stages as they rarely threatened their north African opponents who could have stolen victory if they had had more potent strikers.

In one of England’s few threatening moments of the match, Emile Heskey’s cross-cum-shot was deflected on to the roof of the net, and captain Steven Gerrard’s firm header from the resulting corner tested Algeria ‘keeper M’bohi Rais Ouheb.

England had dropped ‘keeper Robert Green after his blunder that handed the USA a draw in their opening match, but his replacement David James was rarely seriously tested.

Jermain Defoe’s introduction in place of Heskey briefly lifted the tempo of England’s game but they failed to find the breakthrough and Fabio Capello’s men must now beat Slovenia on Wednesday to qualify from their group.